Legacy of Fria vs. Settlers League: A Path of Exile 1 Meta Evolution
The Legacy of Fria event has brought exciting new developments to Path of Exile 1. With nearly three weeks into the event, the meta is shaping up in fascinating ways compared to the Settlers League. While Fria introduces a fresh economy and ascendancies, it retains the same skill balance from patch 3.25. This article explores the ascendancy trends, skill usage, and item popularity in both leagues, offering a deeper look at how players are adapting their builds.
Skill Usage: Lightning Strike and New Entries
Lightning Strike continues to dominate in both leagues, with players leveraging its immense power for Slayer, Trickster, and Blind Prophet builds. However, Fria League introduces some notable shifts in skill popularity:
- Tectonic Slam: Up from 0.1% in Settlers to 8% in Fria, thanks to the Ancestral Commander’s synergy with endurance charges.
- Kinetic Blast: Rising from less than 0.1% to 7% due to the Whisperer ascendancy, which enhances Mana stacking builds.
- Power Siphon: Jumping from 2% to 9%, with Scavenger ascendancy replacing Trickster for this build.
In contrast, Ice Nova of Frost Bows fell dramatically from 9% in Settlers to 0.4% in Fria, largely due to the lack of a Mana-stacking core ascendancy like Hofen.

Ascendancy Trends: Scavenger Ascendancy Dominates
The Scavenger ascendancy has emerged as the most popular choice in Fria, capturing 19% of the player base compared to just 2% for Ascendant in Settlers. Its versatility and power make it a standout for high-level play. Other notable ascendancies include:
- Ancestral Commander: Excels in endurance charge builds, particularly for Tectonic Slam and General’s Cry.
- Whisperer: Powers Mana-stacking attack builds, elevating Kinetic Blast’s popularity.
On the other hand, Polytheist and Behemoth ascendancies remain the least popular in Fria, with less than 0.5% usage. These underwhelming choices highlight the need for further balance adjustments.
Item Usage: Unique Trends
Unique item usage has also seen shifts between the leagues. While Waters I and Lethal Pride remain top picks, Rash’s Impatience dropped from 20% in Settlers to 10% in Fria. The decline is tied to the absence of Slayer and Trickster ascendancies, which previously fueled powerful charge-stacking builds.
For those looking to enhance their builds with the right items, acquiring cheap Path of Exile 1 currency is essential. It allows you to trade for high-value gear and craft the perfect setup for your character.

Spreadsheet of Ascendancy Usage in Fria vs. Settlers
| Ascendancy | Fria Usage (%) | Settlers Usage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Scavenger | 19% | 2% |
| Ancestral Commander | 8% | – |
| Blind Prophet | 11% | 9% |
| Polytheist | 0.4% | – |
| Behemoth | 0.4% | – |
Future of Legacy of Fria Content
Grinding Gear Games plans to integrate Fria’s ascendancies and idol system into private league flags, allowing players to customize their experiences. While some ascendancies may require balancing, adding them to the core game could significantly enhance the variety and depth of Path of Exile 1.
For now, players can enjoy the unique mechanics of Fria by building around the new ascendancies. To support your builds, consider visiting the best store to buy POE 1 Currency for all your trading and crafting needs.